Jamal Lee Adams, an American football safety, is a formidable presence in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his energetic and aggressive playing style, he quickly established himself as a premier safety after being drafted by the New York Jets. His tenure in the league has been marked by Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, highlighting his impact on the field. Adams’ journey has also included a high-profile trade to the Seattle Seahawks and subsequent moves to other teams, reflecting the dynamic nature of his professional career. Despite facing challenges with injuries, his talent and on-field presence have consistently made him a player to watch.
Jamal Adams Overview
| Full Name | Jamal Lee Adams |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Lewisville, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 213 lb (97 kg) |
| Father | George Adams |
| Mother | Michelle Adams |
| Profession | American Football Safety |
| Current Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $50 million |
Early Life and Education of Jamal Adams
Jamal Adams was born in Lewisville, Texas, to George and Michelle Adams. His father, George Adams, was a former NFL running back who played for the New York Giants and was part of their Super Bowl XXI championship team. Growing up in a football-oriented family, Jamal was exposed to the sport from a young age. He attended Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas, where he was a standout player on the football team. In his final two seasons of high school, he recorded an impressive 138 tackles and seven interceptions on defense, while also contributing on offense with 20 touchdowns. His exceptional talent earned him a five-star recruit rating from Scout.com, and he was ranked among the top 10 recruits in his class. After high school, Adams committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU).
Jamal Adams’s Career
College Career
At LSU, Adams made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2014, playing in all 13 games and starting in two, accumulating 66 tackles and a sack. His performance earned him a spot on the Freshman All-American team. In his sophomore year, he was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection. By his junior year, Adams had become a leader on the LSU defense and was named a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. On January 6, 2017, he announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. During his three years at LSU, he played in 37 games, starting 26, and totaled 209 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and two sacks.
NFL Career
New York Jets (2017–2019)
The New York Jets selected Jamal Adams with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the first safety to be drafted that year. On July 20, 2017, he signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $22.25 million, which included a $14.32 million signing bonus. Adams quickly became a starter and a key player for the Jets. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In his second season, he was named a team captain and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, where he was also named the Defensive MVP of the game. The 2019 season saw him earn his first-team All-Pro selection.
Seattle Seahawks (2020–2023)
On July 25, 2020, Adams was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, along with a 2022 fourth-round pick, in exchange for safety Bradley McDougald, first- and third-round picks in the 2021 NFL draft, and a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. In his first season with the Seahawks, he set an NFL record for the most sacks in a single season by a defensive back with 9.5. This performance earned him his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod. On August 17, 2021, Adams signed a four-year, $70 million contract extension with the Seahawks, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at the time. However, his time in Seattle was also marked by several significant injuries that limited his playing time. He suffered a torn labrum in 2021 and a torn quad tendon in 2022, both of which were season-ending injuries. He was released by the Seahawks on March 5, 2024.
Recent Teams (2024-Present)
After his release from the Seahawks, Adams signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on July 11, 2024. His time with the Titans was brief, as he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list in October and was granted his release on October 17, 2024. He then had a short stint with the Detroit Lions. Most recently, in July 2025, Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with his former Seahawks coach, Pete Carroll.
Jamal Adams Personal Life & Family
Jamal Adams’ father, George Adams, was a significant influence on his life and career, having been a first-round NFL draft pick himself. His mother is Michelle Adams. He has three older siblings. Adams has spoken about the close relationship he shares with his family and how they have kept him grounded throughout his career. He is known by the nickname “Prez,” which he earned from his teammates at LSU for his leadership on the defense. He carries this moniker on his social media handles.
Awards and Achievements of Jamal Adams
- First-team All-Pro (2019)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2018, 2020)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2018–2020)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- First-team All-American (2016)
- First-team All-SEC (2016)
- Second-team All-SEC (2015)
- Freshman All-American (2014)
- Freshman All-SEC Team (2014)
- Pro Bowl Defensive MVP (2018)
Jamal Adams Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jamal Adams’ net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His income has primarily come from his NFL contracts and endorsement deals. His rookie contract with the Jets was a fully guaranteed $22.25 million over four years. He later signed a landmark four-year, $70 million extension with the Seahawks in 2021, which included a $20 million signing bonus and $38 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid safety in the league at that time. His 2024 contract with the Tennessee Titans was a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum.
Legacy and Influence
Jamal Adams is recognized for his aggressive, playmaking style that has made him a disruptive force on the field. His ability to excel as a box safety, particularly in run support and as a blitzer, has been a hallmark of his career. His record-breaking 9.5 sacks in a single season for a defensive back set a new standard for the position. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, he is viewed as a talented and impactful player with the potential for a career resurgence. His leadership qualities were evident from his college days, where he was nicknamed “The President” of the defense.
Interesting Facts about Jamal Adams
- His father, George Adams, was also a first-round NFL draft pick, selected by the New York Giants in 1985.
- During a 2019 Pro Bowl practice, he famously tackled the New England Patriots mascot, an incident born out of the fierce rivalry between the Jets and Patriots.
- He was a highly-touted five-star recruit coming out of high school.
- His LSU teammates nicknamed him “Prez” for his leadership on the field.
- In a game against the Washington Redskins in 2019, he recorded a career-high three sacks.
Controversies
Adams’ tenure with the New York Jets ended with a public expression of discontent over his contract situation, which ultimately led to his trade to the Seattle Seahawks. In Seattle, while his on-field performance was often stellar, there were instances of off-field issues. This included a sideline disagreement with an independent concussion doctor and a social media spat with a reporter.
Social Media Presence
Jamal Adams is active on social media, where he is known by his nickname “President Mal.” His social media handles often reflect this moniker.
Final Words about Jamal Adams
Jamal Adams’ NFL journey has been a rollercoaster of high-level performance, significant contracts, and unfortunate injuries. After stints with the Jets, Seahawks, Titans, and Lions, he is looking for a career revival with the Las Vegas Raiders under his former coach, Pete Carroll. Reports in early 2025 indicated that he was in excellent physical condition and healthier than he had been in years. His future in the league will likely depend on his ability to stay healthy and return to the dominant form that made him one of the most feared safeties in the NFL. In June 2025, reports emerged that Adams was retiring from the NFL, though he had previously expressed a desire to return to the Jets.